Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to tackle shortages of childcare providers in Havering.

Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area. At present, Havering London Borough Council’s Early Years Team reports that it is fulfilling its duty to ensure sufficient childcare.

The key measure of market health monitored by the department is whether the supply of available places is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents and children. The department continue to monitor the sufficiency of childcare through regular surveys and through regular conversations with local authorities.